- What is the primary goal of reconstruction? Reunification, punishment, civil rights, other? (Thesis)
- Economic rebuilding in the south and slow social reunification along with stabilization for the entire nation.
- Economic rebuilding in the south and slow social reunification along with stabilization for the entire nation.
- What should be done to the ex-Confederates?
- Ex confederates should be removed from their current office positions and new candidates will be elected. Former officials will also be on parole for 20 years or until they openly acknowledge their loyalty to the union in front of an official judge.
- What should be done for the freedmen?
- The freedmen will get priority to job offerings at non-essential government owned entities (shipping ports, schools, mail, black resource centers) others will be given land grants (1 half acre per family member) in birth state. (If brought over by slave trade, freedmen choose which state land will be provided for. They will be granted full human rights and should be treated equal as to whites.
- Who should be able to vote and hold office in the new Southern state governments?
- African americans may vote and run for office. As they contribute to the population at a minimum allowed to vote for house positions and of course for the president. No Ex-Confederates not allowed to run for office, (unless pledged loyalty to union, however any slight violation of loyalty will result in immediate removal of position)
- What requirements must be met before states regain full rights and representation?
- States must acknowledge their wrong doings but will not be punished for it. Need to ensure equal opportunities for african americans, specifically children. Need to implement lessons in schooling as to why slavery needed to be abolished to prevent further advancements of racism with the youth. States that seceded must exempt taxes for former slaves for as long as they were in servitude and there will be no other consequences.
- How should the Southern economy be restored?
- The southern economy will be reinvigorated by placing many new government owned entities in the south (mail centers, fire brigades etc) with the union clearly promoted everywhere. Simple entry level positions will be offered as a priority to slaves previously in servitude. All shipping will be relocated to the South. All manufacturing will be in the North. Former slave owners value of slaves at time of pre Civil War will be represented in equity in many new government entities. Federal Government will always control majority of entity and can buy back equity whenever without shareholders consent. Equity can be taken in government owned ships, facilities, and toll roads. To fund projects, new currency “recon dollar” will be made. A certain amount will be dealt per year with an eventual cap. Government will hold 55% of currency and will declare that the price of 1 recon dollar is volatile with a starting price equal to $.33 USD. Value will be updated daily by new established “Department of the Union Finances” Recon dollars will NOT be taxed on ANY purchase. (Tariffs, property etc). North will be dealt 30% of recon dollars and the South 15%.
- What role should Union troops play in policing, governing, or rebuilding the South?
- Union troops will help to rebuild the south alongside citizens of that area, specifically close to the areas they battled/destroyed. Union troops should not police the south unless they join with the confederate army to ensure that the new rights of african americans are not being tested. They may run for office as anyone else can. They will also be employed on roads to prevent robberies from shipping items from north to south. Elimination of terrorist groups will be necessary. Valid tips by southerners will be rewarded in recon dollars.
- Re-state the primary goal of reconstruction. (Thesis re-stated)
- Economic rebuilding in the south and slow social reunification along with stabilization for the entire nation.
- Prepare a response to an "opposition" group. In your response you will need to point out the flaws and weaknesses and/or the strengths of their plan. The day after we present, be sure to upload your response at the bottom of their page. You will also need to be ready to challenge their plan in class, as their group presents.